Days after heavy rains in early October produced catastrophic flooding across much of South Carolina, up to 300 roads and 160 bridges, including a 74-mile stretch of Interstate 95, remained closed as of Oct. 6. Initial reports indicate the flooding may have caused at least nine dam breaches across the state. Officials report that there have been at least 14 flood-related deaths.
President Obama’s Oct. 3 emergency declaration, providing federal flood assistance, covered all 46 South Carolina counties. Early estimates pegged the damage at more than $1 billion.